Ask a Trooper

Posted: Monday, April 23, 2001

By Trooper Chad Goeden

Question: The muffler fell off my neighbor's car, and he doesn't seem to care. I wouldn't care either, except for the fact that he goes to work at 5:30 every morning and wakes me up as he drives past. Is he required to have a muffler?

Answer: Yes, he is. 13AAC 04.215 states all vehicles must be equipped with a muffler, and it must be maintained to prevent excessive noise. The statute goes on to state that no one may modify their exhaust system so it is louder than it was when it came from the factory.

This means that "glass packs," "cherry bombs" and other similar devices used to make the exhaust system louder than the original muffler are all illegal. If the muffler already was shot when he bought the car, it is still the new owner's responsibility to repair or replace it.

Interestingly enough, there also is a related statute that applies the same standards to snowmachines and other ATVs.

With this information in hand, I suggest you politely ask your neighbor to get his muffler fixed so the rest of the neighborhood can get some sleep.

If you have questions that you would like to ask a trooper, please send them to: Alaska State Troopers, 4060 Heath St., Homer, AK 99603. Or you can e-mail them to Chad_Goeden@dps.state.ak.us. The Alaska State Troopers remind you to always wear your seat belt. It's the law.